On May 17, 1986, Tracy Proctor and I said “I do” at the Unity Baptist Church in Newnan, Georgia. Today we celebrate our 30th Wedding Anniversary.
Decades later I still vividly recall our first date. Tracy 
answered the door, and her appearance left me breathless. I thought to myself, “Why are YOU going out with ME?” Thankfully, I possessed enough self-possession not to ask.
The first date led to a second and a third as days turned into weeks and months. The following Christmas I popped THE Question. She amazed me yet again by saying, “Yes.”
Despite watching the video repeatedly, much of the wedding service remains a blur in my memory. However, I remember the weight of those sacred vows: “for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part.” Other than the death-parting thing, we’ve hit them all.
We quickly discovered that a wedding is a day but a marriage is a lifetime. The statement sounds like a cliché because it is, but clichés begin as truths. Couples that endure faithfully fulfill their vows one day at a time.
In traditional wedding services, the minister never asks the bride and groom if they FEEL in love. Instead, the pastor charges the couple with questions that begin with the words: “WILL YOU?”
We learned that love is both feeling and willing. Sometimes we acted in love because we felt in love. Other times we acted in love because we willed our love. Then we found the feelings all over again.
Tracy has seen me at my best and worst and loved me still. She accepts me for who I am but has never let me settle for any less than who I could be. Her gracious love transformed me into a better husband, son, father, pastor, and child of God.
Most love letters remain private and rightfully so. On the occasion of our 30th Anniversary, however, I wanted to publicly share how God has so richly blessed me in and through my wife, Tracy Proctor Burch.
I love you.
Treasure in Jars of Clay 
AWE! So sweet! What a blessing you both are to each other and in turn to us that know you! Happy 30th Anniversary!
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Happy Anniversary!
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Happy Anniversary to you both!
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You blessed us all by sharing, Bill. Happy Anniversary to you and Tracy. So thankful God sent y’all to Lawrenceville First!
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Happy Anniversary and for many more to come
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HAVE A GREAT CELEBRATION DAY AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND TRACY WITH MANY TO COME.
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What a beautiful tribute to your bride and to marriage. We all need to hear that kind of affirmation and blessing! Happy Anniversary and try to out do God in loving one another especially on that day!
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Bill, I loved your message today!! I know Tracy will too. P.S. I loved the 1986 mustache ! 🙂
>
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Thanks! I occasionally mentioned growing the ‘tache again but get vetoed!
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Happy Anniversary to you and Tracy!
It seems we must’ve been planning weddings at the same time, Sarah and I celebrate our 30th anniversary next month.
Blessings on you.
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Beautiful said and may you be blessed again and again as you journey through life together.
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Happy Anniversary, Bill and Tracy. I hope you have many more wonderful years together. Bill and I are working on our 54th. And my Dad said it wouldn’t last…what can I say!
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Happy anniversary. Ron and Patsy
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Happy anniversary to two fine people. We love you. Charlie and Bettie Kirby
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Beautiful!! Happy anniversary!
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Happy Anniversary to two of my favorite people.
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Happy anniversary to a great couple
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That mustache is bringing back memories of the 80’s…Ken had one too when we married in ’82.
Happy Anniversary Bill & Tracy!
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BLESSINGS AND HAPPY ANNIVERSARY. THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS LETTER with us. Our granddaughter will be married June 25th, 2016 and this is what we will be praying for her. 56 years of marriage in our own marriage attest to the “feeling and willing”. Thanks be to God
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Wishing you more love with every year you share. Happy Anniversary!
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